History
New South Wales has run custodial institutions since 1788, when troops guarded the transported convicts of the new penal colony, and the lineage runs through the Prisons Department to the Corrective Services of today, within the Department of Communities and Justice. The Exemplary Conduct Cross stands first among the service's own honours: it is awarded to current and former members who have demonstrated consistent exemplary conduct and ethical behaviour that significantly contributes to the reputation and effectiveness of the service, or who have made significant contributions to the advancement of its ethical practices.
In a profession where the public rarely sees the work, the cross recognises the standard-setters: the officers whose integrity holds prisons steady. It leads the internal order of the corrections awards, worn ahead of the Bravery Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Long Service Medal.
Design & ribbon
The medal
As documented, the award is a seven pointed silver star bearing the inscription EXEMPLARY CONDUCT on a scroll beneath an inscribed circle surrounding the state coat of arms, ensigned with the Crown, suspended by a ring through a lug fixed behind the crown. The reverse is plain.
The ribbon
Blue with a central yellow stripe.
The ribbon is blue with a yellow centre stripe.
Eligibility
The cross honours the exemplary conduct and ethical behaviour of members of the NSW Corrective Services.
- Current and former members are eligible who have demonstrated consistent exemplary conduct and ethical behaviour significantly contributing to the reputation and effectiveness of the service, or who have made significant contributions to the advancement of its ethical practices;
- The cross leads the internal order of the corrections awards;
- It sits outside the national honours system and carries no post-nominal.
Order of wear
Corrective services awards do not form part of the Australian honours system. They are worn separately from the national honours in accordance with the agency's dress policy, and on civilian racks they are mounted as a distinct group apart from the official awards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Exemplary Conduct Cross awarded for?
Consistent exemplary conduct and ethical behaviour that significantly contributes to the reputation and effectiveness of the NSW Corrective Services, or significant contributions to the advancement of its ethical practices.
Who is eligible?
Current and former members of the NSW Corrective Services.
Where does it sit among the corrections awards?
First: it leads the service's internal order, ahead of the Bravery, Meritorious Service and Long Service medals.
Is there a national equivalent?
The Australian Corrections Medal recognises distinguished correctional service within the national honours system; the cross is the service's own award and the two can be held together.
How is it worn?
Separately from the national honours, in accordance with the agency's dress policy, and as a distinct group on civilian racks.
Does it carry a post-nominal?
No.